ACTW Blogs Written by our Expert Therapists

Non-Monogamy, LGBTQ+ Dr. Casey Nelson Non-Monogamy, LGBTQ+ Dr. Casey Nelson

Sharing your Identity as Non-Monogamous: A Journey of Honesty and Acceptance

Letting people into the inner workings of your relationship style and identity can be helpful on the journey towards showing up as your authentic self in all aspects of life. For many, sharing with family and friends that you identify as non-monogamous—whether polyamorous, open, or exploring alternative relationship structures—can be a daunting but necessary step. Here’s how to navigate this journey with grace and authenticity.

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Individual Therapy Dr. Casey Nelson Individual Therapy Dr. Casey Nelson

How to Keep Your Main Character Energy Thriving in Corporate America

In the fast-paced, and sometimes oppressive, world of corporate America, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. With deadlines looming and meetings stacked back-to-back, many professionals find themselves operating on autopilot, dimming their unique spark. However, maintaining your “main character energy” (MCE) is essential for not only your personal growth but also for creating a dynamic workplace culture. Here’s how to keep your energy vibrant and impactful in the corporate environment.


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Sex Therapy, Trauma Therapy Dr. Bonnie Kester Sex Therapy, Trauma Therapy Dr. Bonnie Kester

Unlocking Healing: How Trauma Affects Sexual Health and Pathways to Reclaiming Intimacy

Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet many individuals struggle with sexual dysfunction, often linked to past trauma. Understanding the relationship between trauma and sexual dysfunction can empower those affected and pave the way for healing, connection, and pleasure. No experience of traumatic events is undeserving of care and attention, especially when it has impacts on different areas of functioning.

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Individual Therapy Dr. Melanie Gomez Individual Therapy Dr. Melanie Gomez

The Unseen Weight Moms Carry

Being a mom...one of the most rewarding roles AND a role that comes with many layers of responsibility, much of that responsibility going unseen to the outside world. From the moment a child is born, a mother begins a journey of giving, guiding and ensuring everything is running smoothly for the family. Whether she works outside the home or solely manages the household, a mom is often trying to balance a diverse mix of duties and demands. But what does it really mean to carry all this responsibility? And why is it so important to recognize the depth of what moms do, even when they don't ask for recognition?


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LGBTQ+ Dr. Bonnie Kester LGBTQ+ Dr. Bonnie Kester

Queer for the Holidays: Going Home to an Unaccepting Family

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the holidays can be a time of mixed emotions. The idea of returning home to family is a universal one, but for those in the LGBTQ+ community, it sometimes comes with the heavy weight of potential rejection, fear, and anxiety. While some might find comfort and solace in being with their loved ones, for others, the journey home is riddled with emotional challenges. This post is an exploration of the complexities of being LGBTQ+ and navigating the experience of returning home to a family that might not understand or accept your identity.

The decision to go home can be difficult. You might feel the pull of tradition and nostalgia, the desire to reconnect with your roots, or the longing for family warmth, but it’s often accompanied by deep dread. The question of whether to come out, whether to be yourself, or whether to hide part of who you are can occupy your mental space. For many, these questions come with the pain of not being able to live authentically in a space where love and acceptance should be unconditional.


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Individual Therapy Dr. Melanie Gomez Individual Therapy Dr. Melanie Gomez

The (Often Minimized) Weight Father’s Carry

Last month I focused on the unseen weight that mom’s carry and it felt suiting to follow that up with a look at what a fathers experience can be like. When we think about mental health, we often think about the challenges mothers face, or even the struggles of children. However, one of the most under-discussed areas of mental health is that of fathers. There tends to be an unspoken burden on dads to be strong; to be providers and protectors. But what happens when dad isn’t okay?

Fathers, like anyone else, experience mental health struggles.Yet, the emotional toll fatherhood can take is often left unrecognized and undiscussed. I would like to explore the reality of mental health challenges faced by fathers, the societal pressures they endure, and the importance of creating space for dads to seek help and care for themselves.

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Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy Dr. Casey Nelson Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy Dr. Casey Nelson

Embracing Love Beyond Boundaries: The Beauty, Challenges, and Growth of Interracial Dating

In today’s world, love is a powerful force that transcends barriers—whether they are cultural, geographic, or even racial. Interracial dating, where individuals from different racial or ethnic backgrounds form romantic relationships, is becoming more common and accepted. While it has come a long way in terms of social acceptance, it’s important to understand the beauty, challenges, and depth of interracial relationships. This post will explore the positive aspects of interracial dating and provide insights on how we can embrace these relationships with respect and understanding.

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Breakups, Individual Therapy Dr. Rebekah DePretis Breakups, Individual Therapy Dr. Rebekah DePretis

Why do Breakups Hurt: How Your Brain and Body Respond to Heartbreak – The Science Behind Emotional and Physical Pain

Breakups are universally painful experiences that affect us emotionally, mentally, and even physically. While most people understand the emotional toll of heartache, fewer recognize that breakups can trigger biological responses in the body and brain. Our physical and emotional systems are deeply interconnected, meaning that a breakup can impact our brains and bodies on hormonal and cellular levels. Gaining a better understanding of how breakups impact us biologically can help us to better understand our pain and even assuage common feelings of desperation, isolation, and shame. Here’s a breakdown of the biological processes at play during and after a breakup:

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Couples Therapy Dr. Veronica Scherbak Couples Therapy Dr. Veronica Scherbak

How to Navigate Cultural Differences in Relationships: Challenges, Strategies, and Strengthening Your Bond

In today’s interconnected world, multicultural relationships are becoming increasingly common. Couples from diverse backgrounds bring a wealth of traditions, values, and experiences to their relationships. This diversity can be a source of strength, fostering creativity and understanding as partners learn from one another. However, these relationships can also come with unique challenges. Drawing from my personal experiences and professional insights, here are some thoughts on how couples can navigate the complexities of cultural differences.

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Individual Therapy Dr. Megan Rinderer Individual Therapy Dr. Megan Rinderer

Mastering Online Dating App Algorithms: How to Boost Your Profile and Find Real Connections in Denver’s Digital Dating Scene

Dating apps offer convenience and access to a broader pool of potential partners, but they also bring about frustrations and emotional challenges. When using online dating apps you may feel that the formula used on these platforms withhold certain profiles from view and prioritizes looks over compatibility, which may cause you to feel at the mercy of these mysterious algorithms. While dating app algorithms are designed to help users find matches, they are also built to keep users engaged and ultimately, to generate revenue. As a result, these algorithms may encourage behaviors that align with the app’s business model, such as spending money on premium features or staying on the app longer. By understanding how these algorithms work, you can adjust your approach and potentially get better (and possibly more compatible) matches. Here’s how you can use an understanding of dating app algorithms to get different results.

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Couples Therapy, Breakups, Divorce Dr. Celeste Tinkoff Couples Therapy, Breakups, Divorce Dr. Celeste Tinkoff

Is my Relationship Salvageable? How Discernment Counseling Can Create a Path to Clarity in Relationship Uncertainty

In the journey of relationships, there are moments when couples find themselves standing at a crossroads. They may be unsure whether to work on their issues or to part ways. This uncertainty can be deeply distressing, and traditional couples therapy may not always be the best fit for addressing such pivotal questions. Enter Discernment Counseling—a specialized approach designed to help couples navigate these crucial junctures with clarity and intention.

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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Dr. Rebekah DePretis Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Dr. Rebekah DePretis

Unlocking Deeper Healing: How Internal Family Systems Therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work Together to Treat Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression

n the ever-evolving landscape of mental health treatments, the combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy represents a promising and innovative approach. Utilizing these treatments in tandem emphasizes the strengths of both modalities, offering a unique pathway for healing trauma, depression, anxiety, existential dread, and other mental health challenges.

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